Quartz watches are the most popular and best selling type of wristwatch. Finding the best one for you can be difficult. These affordable timepieces come in various styles to suit different lifestyles.
Quartz crystals are used for accuracy and batteries are used for power in these watches. Depending on the use, batteries can last a long time without replacement. This means you do not need to worry about winding up the watch to keep it running.
The combination of the quartz control and battery operation reduce the number of moving parts needed to run the watch. Fewer parts, less opportunity for a watch break down, therefore, your watch is more reliable, and durable.
Like any thing you buy, prices can vary widely, but there are several inexpensive and affordable quartz watches for everyone’s needs. Whether you are looking to go simple, casual, or dress up there are designs to fit your lifestyle.
Here are some quartz watch options in an affordable price range that are the most popular. These are popular because they are inexpensive, durable, reliable, and accurate. Four popular brands of watches are Anne Klein, Casio, Fossil, and Timex. All of these have been selling timepieces for a long time and provide a wide selection of reliable time pieces.
Things to Consider
When you are starting to investigate watches there are some personal preferences that you need to consider. Before you start deciding on a style or type of watch that you want to buy, you should decide on how you want the time displayed. Then you need to decide on how you are planning to use the watch. These two decisions together will help determine the style and functionality you need.
Time will be displayed in one of two ways – analog or digital.
When and why, you are wearing your watch help to decide on style or functionality.
Women’s Best Selling Popular Watches
Timex Women’s Easy Reader
This is the perfect watch for busy women on the go. It is an elegant, simple style with easy to read numbers on the dial so it is easy to tell time at a glance. With its Indiglo night light, you can read the time and date no matter what time of day or night it is. It will withstand everyday water splashes. The gold tone brass case gives it a simple stylish look with a mineral glass crystal to protect its face.
Features
- Indiglo light-up dial
- Easy to read dial
- Date window
- Gold tone brass case
- Mineral glass crystal
- Adjustable leather strap
- Water resistant for everyday use
- Available in multiple watch design and strap combinations
Rated Highly
Ann Klein Genuine Diamond Dial Bracelet Watch
This fashionable watch has a shiny sunray rose gold face accented by rose gold tone luminous hands and minimal index hour markers so as to not distract from its elegance. The diamond dot 12 o’clock accent adds to its beauty. Its rose gold ion plated stainless steel case with gold tone adjustable link bracelet completes its design. The scratch resistant mineral crystal helps to protect it and keep its beauty. You will love wearing this fashionable minimalist watch every day.
Features
- Genuine diamond at 12 o’clock
- Mineral crystal lens
- Adjustable link bracelet
- Jewelry clasp and extender
- Water resistant for everyday use
- Available in multiple watch design and strap combinations
Rated Highly
Timex Unisex Weekender
Here is a classic and stylish watch you can take with you on your next outdoor adventure. It will take you from work to the weekend. It has a polished case finish and mineral glass crystal for added durability. The cream dial with Arabic numerals makes it easy to read and perfect for all occasions. The Indiglo light-up dial will help you out if you need to check the time in the dark. These versatile watches are designed with slip-through straps, so you can easily change them depending on your outfit or mood. They are perfect for when you want to have some fun and add a little personality to your look. It is available in a range of fun colors, so you can pick the one that best suits your style.
Features
- Easy to read
- Indiglo light-up dial
- Nylon slip through strap
- 12 hour and 24 hour time display
- Available in multiple watch design and strap combinations
Rated Highly
Casio Women’s Black Classic
Step up your style game with this with its simple black design. Its round black dial with white hands and Arabic hour markers make it easy to read at a glance. All of this design is framed in a black resin case and scratch resistant mineral crystal. It also offers a black resin strap for an added touch of elegance. Whether you are on the go or just relaxing at home, this watch is perfect for any woman who wants to showcase her style smarts.
Features
- Simple design
- Easy to read number hour markers
- Resin case
- Resin glass dial window
- Sturdy buckle closure
- Water resistant
Rated Highly
Timex Women’s IRONMAN Transit
Here is the perfect combination of power and femininity. This watch is as practical as it is fashionable. Its sleek white case and strap and durable rose gold tone top ring are a perfect combination. Features include a countdown timer, sports stopwatch, customizable alarm and it is water resistant up to 100 meters. Whether you are training for your next triathlon or just trying to stay on schedule, this watch can help you achieve your goals.
Features
- Easy to read 12 hour or 24 hour military time
- Customizable alarms
- Stopwatch
- Countdown timer
- Indiglo light-up dial
- Water resistant
- Available in multiple watch design and strap combinations
Rated Highly
Fossil Women’s Crystal Accented Riley
With a classic shape and sporty features, this watch is a style that transcends the season. The gold tone stainless steel case with gold tone dial is surrounded by a 45 crystal stone ring. It has a gold tone stainless steel bracelet band with single press clasp closure. This watch is both stylish and functional. Whether you are dressing up or dressing down, the Riley Watch is sure to complement your look.
Features
- Genuine diamond at 12
- Mineral crystal lens
- Stainless steel case
- Adjustable link bracelet
- Available in multiple watch design and strap combinations
Rated Highly
Anne Klein Women’s Rectangular Leather Strap Watch
This watch is the perfect way to stay stylish and on time. The curved mineral crystal lens ensures a clear view of the dial, while the light champagne sunray design and gold tone hands and markers add a touch of elegance. The red leather strap is both stylish and practical, providing a comfortable and secure fit. It is the perfect way to stay stylish and on time.
Features
- Elegant Design
- Curved mineral crystal lens
- Leather strap with buckle closure
- Available in multiple watch design and strap combinations
Rated Highly
Men’s Best Selling Popular Watches
Casio Men’s Classic Black
This is one of their most popular watches. This digital watch is perfect for everyday use, with a quartz-operated movement, night light, and water resistant design. It features a 12 hour or 24 hour military, as well as a daily alarm and date display so you do not miss important appointments. The resin band buckle closure makes it easy to adjust the fit, while the ribbed texture provides extra durability and comfort.
Features
- Easy to read 12 hour or 24 hour military time
- Daily alarm
- Stopwatch
- Night light
- Mineral dial window
- Water resistant
Rated Highly
Casio Men’s G-Shock
This watch is ready for anything and perfect for athletes or anyone with an active lifestyle. It is shock resistant with a digital display that makes it easy to keep track of time. With a night light and afterglow, it is easy to tell what time it is even in the dark. Its water resistance is good for recreational scuba diving depths so you can keep track of time even underwater. Whether you are into military time or 12 hour mode, this watch has got you covered. With its ribbed resin band buckle closure, it is easy to adjust and stay comfortable
Features
- Shock resistant
- Daily alarm
- Day/Month/Day display
- Stopwatch
- Countdown timer
- 12 hour or 24 hour military time mode
- Night light
- Water resistant
- Resin band
Rated Highly
Casio Unisex Classic
Embrace the classics with this time honored design. Perfect for everyday wear, with a reliable alarm and hourly time signal to keep you on schedule. The auto calendar makes it easy to know the day and date. This is the perfect affordable retro timepiece. Its sleek, timeless design that always looks sharp. Its night light ensures you can always see the time, even in low light.
Features
- Day / Date display
- Daily alarm
- Night light
- Stopwatch
- Water resistant for everyday use
Rated Highly
Casio Men’s Classic Analog
This is the perfect timepiece for anyone who wants an easy to read dial. Its sweeping second hand makes it a classic choice. The black plastic case and white dial face with Arabic numerals make it a sophisticated option. A resin band ensures that it’s comfortable to wear all day long. The buckle clasp makes it easy to remove, and the mineral crystal lens provides durability.
Features
- Easy to read number dial
- Resin band
- Water resistant for everyday use
Rated Highly
Timex Men’s IRONMAN Classic 30
This classic watch is perfect for athletes and weekend warriors alike. With its rugged construction and user-friendly features, this timepiece is ideal for anyone who wants a great looking watch that can keep up with them. Three daily, weekday or weekend alarms let you wake up on time every day. If you need to check the time in another time zone, just hit the 2 time zones button. Finally, the day, date & month calendar ensures you never miss an important appointment. The 24 hour countdown timer also comes in handy during endurance events. This is the undisputed favorite in sport watches. It’s lightweight and sealed for water resistance.
Features
- Indiglo light up
- Day/Month/Day display
- Customizable alarms
- Stopwatch
- Countdown timer
- 12 hour or 24 hour military time Mode
- Water resistant
Rated Highly
Timex Men’s Expedition Scout 40
Here is the perfect watch for those who want a timepiece that’s both stylish and functional. It features an adjustable blue strap, round titanium case, and blue analog dial with Arabic numerals. The watch also has an INDIGLO backlight and quartz movement with 3 hands analogue display. Whether you are out on a hike or just running errands, this watch is sure to keep you on schedule.
Features
- Indiglo light up dial
- Easy to read number dial
- Date window
- Mineral glass crystal window
- 12 hour or 24 hour military time mode
- Multiple watch design and strap options
Rated Highly
Fossil Nate Stainless Steel
Need a watch to give the all black design trend a new depth? Plus, this watch also features a chronograph movement on a stainless steel bracelet. The quartz movement ensures accurate timekeeping.
With its bold smoke stainless steel case and bracelet band, Fossil’s Nate watch is perfect for the modern man on the go. It gives the all black design trend a new depth. The inky matte dial and brushed jet steel case create a look that is dressy enough to wear with your favorite pair of denim and a crisp, white tee, but versatile enough for everyday wear. The military-inspired design is both stylish and rugged, making it ideal for any adventure. And with its hardened mineral crystal lens, this watch is sure to stay in great condition no matter what you put it through.
Features
- Smoke stainless steel case
- Smoke stainless steel band
- Hardened mineral crystal lens
- Oversized lugs
Rated Highly
Important Watch Terminology
Analog vs Digital
Analog displays use numbers, or symbols for 5 minute intervals on their faces and then use moving hands to point to the hours, minutes, and seconds.
Digital displays show the time with numbers.
Regardless of which of these two types of displays you chose, the most important question to ask is how easy is it for you is to see the time.
- For an analog watch, the numbers or symbols representing the numbers should be easy to read. If it needs to be read in poorer light conditions, a luminescent capability might be necessary.
- For a digital watch, the numbers should be easy to see in the type of light you are typically exposed to. If it needs to be read at night, there should be a way to light up the numbers.
Style or Functionality
When looking for an inexpensive affordable watch how many basic functions you need can be a determining factor in your selection of a watch. How are you going to use your watch? What is the functionality that your will need?
This is an area where personal preferences take hold. Here is a list of some style considerations and functionality that you should consider.
Style
- Fashion statement – outfit match, artistic, colorful, subdued, minimalist, bold
- Business display – showy, practical
- Everyday casual – practical, durable
- Shape of watch – square, round, rectangular
- Size of watch – length, width, thickness,
- Type of band – leather, bracelet, metal, nylon, resin, plastic
- Type of band closure – clasp, buckle
- Operational power – battery, wind-up, movement, solar
Functionality
- Time Displayed – 12 hour, 24 hour, minutes, seconds
- Date Displayed – weekday, month, day, year
- Night visibility – background light, hands illuminated
- Alarms – how many, what type
- Travel – time zones
- Stopwatch – multiple settings
- Timer – countdown
- Water Resistant- everyday use, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving
- Calculator
- Phone connections
- Texting
What’s Next
Check out these guides.
- Knowing Basic Watch Terminology Can Help You FInd The Best Watch For You
- 4 Step Guide For Finding The Best Watches For Yourself Or Someone Else
- 4 Step Guide To Find The Best Smartwatches
When you decide that you want and need a watch there are several options to consider. You must first decide on what type of time display you require. Do you prefer the traditional style of a face with numbers and hands for obtaining the time with?Do you prefer the modernist style of a digital display? This might be influenced by where and how you are going to be wearing the timepiece.
The second consideration is the design style and functionality you need. Design style relates to the size and shape of the watch. These two are important for comfort. Watch depth ranges from slim to bulky. Watch size also varies. Big bulky watches might be uncomfortable to wear. Small, slim watches might not be easily viewable.
Lastly, oftentimes overlooked, is the type of watch band. You might buy a beatiful, functional watch that does not feel right when you wear it for longer periods of time. There are different materials that are used for watch bands. There are also different band widths. Being able to swap out a watch band might also be a consideration for you.
Taking these three things into consideration and deciding which are most important to you can only help you decide on the perfect wristwatch to meet your needs.
Popular Watch Brands
Anne Klein
The Anne Klein brand was founded in 1964 by Anne and her husband, Arthur. The company’s first watches were sold exclusively to jewelry stores and were highly sought-after fashion accessories. Today, the line offers a range of high quality timepieces with distinctive styling, from casual sportswear to elegant eveningwear. Anne had always been an innovator. She created the wrap dress back in 1959. She also established one of the first American ready-to-wear brands that was designed specifically for women who had full careers outside of home life. Her namesake line continues this tradition today with collections that are designed for real women on their own terms, including their ever-changing wardrobe needs.
Casio
Casio is a global technology company that develops, manufactures, distributes and markets watches, calculators, keyboards, electronic dictionaries, cameras among others. It has been around for more than 65 years. The company also became well known for the wide variety and innovation of its wristwatches. Casio was the first to market calculator watches in 1974 with its release of the Casiotron watch which featured an LED display on one hand and a regular digital watch on the other. It was one of the earliest manufacturers of quartz watches, both digital and analog. Casio also introduced one of the first watches that could display the time in many different time zones of the world.
Fossil
Fossil is a watch brand that has been around since 1984. They are well-known for their vintage inspired designs, which have been popular in the past decade. Fossil watches are not their only product. They also manufacture commodities like handbags, jewelry or sunglasses. Fossil grew quickly during the 1980s, propelled by the retrospective designs of its watches, which were inspired by magazine advertisements from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Fossil strives to find creative ways of connecting with customers through product design, marketing initiatives and original retail experiences. The company owns the brands SKAGEN, MOSCHINO, MICHAEL KORS ACCESSORIES, DKNY JEWELRY & WATCHES and more. Fossil is a global lifestyle brand that creates authentic, high-quality products to keep people looking and feeling their best.
Timex
Timex Group designs, manufactures, and markets innovative timepieces around the world. With a history of innovation and quality that spans decades, Timex is one of the largest watch makers in the world with a portfolio that includes brands such as Timex, Guess, Nautica, Opex and Luminox. The company has been headquartered in Middlebury, Connecticut since 1854 when founder Ingersoll created his first pocket-watch design to help train Union troops during the Civil War. Today, they continue this tradition of inventiveness with their legacy innovations like Indiglo night-light technology, Easy Reader Dials for older eyes, watches designed specifically for kids’ wrists—and many more features for everyone. Their watches live everywhere from movie sets to military outposts – even on your wrist. For generations They have been making tough, reliable watches that can withstand almost anything life throws at them.